October 3 - exploring Seoul

For the first time all trip, slept in.  Isabel got us coffee, and we rallied to go to Myeong-dong.  It feels as though Korea has 2 national pastimes - eating and shopping.  Every area that I've seen has both.

Today was no exception - except that Loren was very disappointed that the street food carts weren't out when we got there.  After an hour or so, the carts started arriving in a long procession.  Loren was drooling just watching them go by!  We opted for some cultural activities and went to the Jogyesa Temple.  Watched part of a Buddist ceremony, but out of respect, no pictures of inside of temple (link has an image).

Lotus flowers - Dad, remember Lotusland?

Exterior temple shots

Hanging notes are prayers

Funny side note - there was a little stall on the temple grounds selling clothing.  I saw a beautiful silk scarf that Isabel kindly bought for me - and both of us felt it would be wrong to bargain in the shadow of the temple.

wearing my new scarf - thanks Isabel

Then wandered through the temple neighborhood- very interesting to see all the ceremonial clothing and tea sets.  If anyone reading this blog thinks that shopping is shallow, well it can be.  I prefer to think of it as seeing the economic side of current culture- shopping as a window to how people live, and what is important to them.  Also, having a few souvenirs keeps the trip alive when I'm home.  I remember the people that sold to me - the stores - even the weather.

It's Foundation Day today, and we ran into a band in costume.  Interesting to me that it's not more of a  big deal, or at least we couldn't tell that it was - other than the band.

We went to a "mall" that was organized like the Guggenheim Museum, with spiraling levels of shops/restaurants.

Found lots of traditional and modern arts and crafts.  Very beautiful things, and interesting too.  For example, an iPhone pebble - it sticks to the back of your phone, and props it up.  Then there were stores selling sleeping pillows.  I had a case of Visa fever, but managed to restrain myself until we were back on the street.  Then I found the scarf shop - 5 scarves for $30 - so excited!  Loren found the new French fry technique - potato on a stick.

Long day of shopping, eating and wandering - I do NOT want to go home, but we are checked in for tomorrow's flight.


Loren and Isabel out for street food - like father, like daughter!